Elliot Lake miners undergo retraining

Mine closings are always difficult situations for communities dependent on such operations for their economic well-being. Workers and their families in the uranium-mining community of Elliot Lake, Ont., are no exception.

When the local mines announced major layoffs in January, 1990, the impact was staggering for the community. There were virtually no jobs available locally and few opportunities elsewhere.

The economic impact of Sault College’s training programs has also been significant for Elliot Lake. Close to $1,000,000 was spent in the community from Sept. 1, 1990, to Dec. 31, 1991, including more than $400,000 in salaries for instructors and support staff. Fourteen new jobs were created at the community college and another four positions are expected to become available this year.

A graduate of Lakehead University with a degree in administration, Ouimet had worked for Denison Mines (TSE) for 12 years before joining Sault College. While at Denison, he had been in charge of an industrial engineering team who looked at ways of increasing efficiency for the local mining company as well as Potacan in New Brunswick and Quintette Coal in British Columbia. By 1989, however, Ouimet was concerned about his future with Denison and decided to look at other opportunities.

During his first year as program manager. Ouimet was involved with broadening the selection of general interest programs offered by the local college. Now, the major challenge is selecting appropriate retraining programs that will give the laid-off worker a chance to learn a new skill and be better prepared to re-enter the job market.

For the adult students, however, going back to school has been difficult. “Many people do not know what they want to do with their lives,” says Ouimet, explaining that a surprising number of students need assistance to identify potential new careers and select the right programs.

Once they are in the classroom, it is not always easy for them to concentrate on their studies. “There’s a great deal of stress on every student,” says Ouimet. “It’s not just the learning process which is always stressful for people who haven’t been in school for a number of years. They have lost their jobs. They still have family and financial commitments. And there is the anxiety of whether or not the training will lead to a job.

Despite all of the hardships, however, most of the students graduate. So far, more than 140 students have received their diplomas. “Every time we have a graduation,” explains Ouimet, “it is a very satisfying moment for me.” But he also admits that many of the students still have a long way to go as far as obtaining their qualifications for a new trade. Just the same, graduation gives the students a sense of accomplishment. For them, it is an important step toward a new career.

— From Focus on the Future, an Elliot Lake, Ontario, publication.